Mbombela (Nelspruit) – The 35-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the murder of German tourist, 67-year-old Schnarr Joerg, at Numbi Road near White River during an attempted car hijacking, on Friday appeared in the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court.
The ruthless murder occurred in broad daylight on Monday 3 October 2022 at about 16h30.
Napoleon Joseph Nyalungu appeared in court facing multiple charges including murder, attempted murder, and attempted hijacking.
He was remanded in custody until 19 October 2022 for him to secure legal representation.
Narrating events on that fateful day, police Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said it was reported that four tourists from Germany were traveling in a Hyundai H1 along Numbi Road en route to Numbi Gate at Mdluli Safari lodge.
“They were then stopped by three armed suspects who were driving in a VW Caddy,” said Brigadier Mohlala.
“The suspects are said to have instructed the tourists to open the doors of their vehicle but when the driver reportedly locked all the doors, apparently one of the suspects shot him on the upper body through the window.
“It is further said that the victim’s vehicle drove in reverse for about 100 meters before crashing into the wall of Heroes Academy. Unfortunately, the driver died on the spot as a result of the shooting.
“The suspects reportedly sped off in their vehicle without taking anything from the tourists.”
Police said they arrested the suspect on Wednesday in Mbombela (Nelspruit).
Before Wednesday’s arrest of the 35-year-old man, police had questioned several persons of interest, who were later released without being charged.
